Tanaka issues statement on injury

"As recently announced from the team, I will be going through some treatment and rehab on my injured elbow over the next several weeks. I give everything I have every time I take the ball. With that, I also know that there will always be a risk of injury when playing this game that I love. Right now I feel that the most important thing for me is to keep my head up, remain focused on the task at hand and devote all my energy into healing the injury in order to come back strong.

“I want to apologize to the Yankees organization, my teammates and our fans for not being able to help during this time. I accept this injury as a challenge, but I promise to do everything I can to overcome this setback and return to the mound as soon as possible."

GEICO SportsNite: Cashman, Boone excited for Drury

12:04AM

Yankees manager Aaron Boone and GM Brian Cashman discuss their excitement over Brandon Drury, but still want Miguel Andujar to be involved.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone and GM Brian Cashman discuss their excitement over Brandon Drury, but still want Miguel Andujar to be involved.

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Yankees GM Cashman says Red Sox still AL East favorites

Feb 21 | 10:22PM

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New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman during practice at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Butch Dill/USA TODAY Sports)

Despite advancing further in the playoffs than them last year and acquiring the reigning National League MVP in the offseason, the Yankees are not the favorites in the AL East, GM Brian Cashman believes.

Instead, he believes that title goes to the defending division champion Boston Red Sox.

"They're the American League East champs, so we're not on equal footing," Cashman said, according to Newsday's Erik Boland. "We're not on equal footing until we take that away from them [and] at the same time, prevent anybody that finished behind us from surpassing us and joining the fray."

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Yankees being cautious with Judge following offseason shoulder surgery

Feb 21 | 11:33PM

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New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge looks on as he hits during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

The Yankees are being cautious with outfielder Aaron Judge following offseason shoulder surgery and won't have him make his spring training debut until next Wednesday, new manager Aaron Boone told reporters.

Judge, the AL Rookie of the Year in 2017, underwent arthroscropic surgery on his left shoulder in November to remove loose bodies and clean up cartilage, but "is in a really good place physically," according to Boone.

"In a lot of ways he's raring to go," Boone said, according to the New York Daily News' Mike Mazzeo, "but we're going to be real cautious and slow-play it a bit."

Yankees deal Blash to Angels

Feb 21 | 7:52PM

New York Yankees right fielder Jabari Blash throws a ball during practice at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Butch Dill/USA TODAY Sports)

The Yankees traded outfielder Jabari Blash to the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday for a player to be named later or cash considerations, the team announced.

Blash, who was designated for assignment on Tuesday following the three-team trade that brought Brandon Drury to New York, only spent two months as a Yankee after he was acquired in the trade that sent Chase Headley to the San Diego Padres.

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Yankees hoping Greg Bird can stay healthy in 2018

Tyler Austin likely his backup in case he goes down

Feb 21 | 11:14AM

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(Kim Klement)

Though overshadowed by the behemoth trio of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gary Sanchez, Greg Bird is an important player in the Yankees' lineup. And both he and GM Brian Cashman are hoping he can stay on the field more this season.

Bird's early career has already been ravaged by injuries, as shoulder surgery saw him miss the entire 2016 season, and he played just 48 big league games last year because of an ankle injury.

Bird comes into Spring Training healthy, and despite his issues the past two seasons, Cashman believes he can keep it that way.

Yankees can't leave Tyler Wade on the bench in 2018

New York Yankees shortstop Tyler Wade (82) throws to first base for the out on Philadelphia Phillies' Brock Stassi (78) (not pictured) in the fifth inning of a baseball game during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Butch Dill)

Top prospects typically garner most of the attention in spring training, especially those like Miguel Andujar and Gleyber Torres, who are the presumed favorites to land starting roles in the Yankees' infield. However, it's never wise to sleep on a mid-tier prospect that has busted it on the field to reach the big leagues like Tyler Wade managed in 2017.

Wade was provided just 58 at-bats across the three-plus months he spent on the Yankees roster in 2017. As such, Wade is no longer a rookie, but the 23-year-old is vastly inexperienced in terms of reps in the major leagues.

Yankees tied with Astros for best odds to win AL Pennant

Feb 20 | 12:15PM

Vegas has the Yankees tied with the defending World Series-champion Astros for the best odds to win the American League pennant, per Bovada.

New York and Houston both have 11/4 odds to win the pennant, while the Indians (13/4) and Red Sox (6/1) are behind them.

The Yankees were a game short of the World Series last season, where the Astros eventually finished them off in their own Minute Maid Park on their way to their first World Series title in franchise history.

GEICO SportsNite: Monday's happenings at Yankees camp

Feb 19 | 10:59PM

With large expectations, Boone's Yankees will focus on the 'little things'

Feb 19 | 8:35PM

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New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone watches his team workout at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Jonathan Dyer/USA TODAY Sports)

While the Yankees enter 2018 with World Series expectations and GM Brian Cashman also said the team's goal is to win it all for the 28th time, new manager Aaron Boone said he and the players will "embrace" the large expectations set for them.

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Baseball Night in New York: Sweeny Murti shags home runs at Yankees camp

Feb 19 | 6:50PM

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Murti watches Yankees BP00:01:37

SNY's Sweeny Murti watched Yankees batting practice from beyond the fence as he tried to catch home runs from Judge and Stanton.

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MLB cuts mound visits to six per game in new pace-of-play initiatives

Feb 19 | 2:56PM

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(Shanna Lockwood)

Major League Baseball continues to implement new rules to increase the pace-of-play, so the game can move at a more steady pace. While the pitch clock and batter having to keep one foot in the batter's box have aided in speeding the game up, the MLB has now issued a mandate limiting the amount of mound visits for each team.

Mound visits will be capped at six per game. The definition of a mound visit was specified by the MLB in an official announcement.

"A manager or coach trip to the mound to meet with the pitcher shall constitute a visit," the statement read. "A player leaving his position to confer with the pitching, inlcuding a pitcher leaving the mound to confer with another player, shall also constitute a mound visit, regardless of where the visit occurs or the length of the visit..."

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GEICO SportsNite: Stanton dons pinstripes for first time

Feb 19 | 12:12AM

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GEICO SportsNite: Yankees00:05:49

Giancarlo Stanton discusses donning pinstripes for the first time and Jacoby Ellsbury quells trade rumors.

Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez has hit 53 home runs through his first 177 career MLB games, but perhaps his biggest accomplishment as a hitter came during Sunday's spring training batting practice when he hit a ball so hard the cover ripped off.

An arrant head-first slide from Torres into home last season ended his 2017 campaign, as he required Tommy John surgery on his left elbow after the injury. So, the Yankees are stressing the 21-year-old to go feet-first into bases.

Yankees pitching prospect ready for 2018 after appendix surgery

Feb 17 | 11:25AM

Despite having an appendectomy on February 7th, Yankees no. 7 overall prospect RHP Albert Abreu is ready for 2018.

When Abreu began to feel a sharp pain in his stomach, he didn't know why. Then, before he knew it, he was in a hospital bed, recovering from surgery a fortnight ahead of the Yankees' first spring training game.

"It's different because you think it's something you ate that's giving you the pain," Abreu said, via Brendan Kuty of NJ.com. "If you haven't had the experience of something like that, you really don't know what's going on. Eventually, they tell you it's the appendix..."

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GEICO SportsNite: Giancarlo Stanton arrives at Spring Training

Feb 17 | 12:11AM

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GEICO SportsNite: Murti on Yanks00:02:10

SNY Yankees insider Sweeny Murti joins GEICO SportsNite to give an update on the arrival of Giancarlo Stanton to Tampa.

Boone says he is recovering at Yankees camp

Feb 16 | 7:20PM

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Yankees prospect Thairo Estrada had a major scare before heading to Tampa for Spring Training, as he was shot in the hip during a robbery attempt in his home Venezuela last week.

Estrada, who is currently recovering at the Yankees' camp, spoke about the moment two teenage boys demanded cash or his cell phone at a restuarant in Venezuela. After saying he didn't have either, the kids searched his pockets.

And that is when the gun went off.

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Stanton arrives at Yankees spring training ready for 'a fun new ride'

Dec 15, 2017 | 11:50AM

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Stanton arrives at camp00:03:33

As Giancarlo Stanton arrives at Yankees Spring Training, the Daily News Live panel breaks down his potential impact on the team's clubhouse.

Outfielder Giancarlo Stanton showed up to Yankees spring training in Tampa, Florida, early as he looks to get acclimated to a new team.

"I'm out of my comfort zone," Stanton, who was traded from the Marlins to New York in the offseason, said, according to ESPN's David Schoenfield. "I've done it the same way for 10 years."

The reigning National League MVP, who led the majors with 59 home runs and 132 RBIs last season, joined a Yankees team that came within one win of the World Series.

"This is all new to me," Stanton said, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. "It's going to be a fun new ride. I'd say it is a new excitement."

The Yankees had a surprisingly magical 2017 season with numerous high quality and breakout performances; however, there were a few players whose production the club hopes is not duplicated in 2018.

Dellin Betances

Betances has never been the model of command on the mound. His inability to control his large frame forced the Yankees to convert him to a reliever in the minors as a last-ditch effort to squeeze value out of a highly touted prospect.

GEICO SportsNite: Yankees updates on Sabathia, camp

Feb 15 | 11:53PM

Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia is preparing to go farther than the ALCS this season and hopes to supplant the Astros as AL champions.

Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia is preparing to go farther than the ALCS this season and hopes to supplant the Astros as AL champions.

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CC Sabathia would be 'panicking' if he were still a free agent

Feb 15 | 8:50PM

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New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia reacts as he walks back to the dugout in the second inning of Game 2 of baseball's American League Division Series against the Cleveland Indians, Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer) (David Dermer/AP)

Meanwhile, CC Sabathia could have been in this position if he and the Yankees hadn't agreed to terms early in the offseason. If the 37-year-old was still on the open market, he'd be feeling uneasy right about now.

Aaron Boone has no doubts about Miguel Andujar's talent

Feb 15 | 8:10PM

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East infielder Miguel Andujar of the New York Yankees during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Surprise Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

When the Yankees failed to sign 3B Todd Frazier, who stayed in New York by inking a deal with the Mets, it was another sign pointing to the trust the Yankees have in rookie 3B Miguel Andujar. It appears that third base is his to lose in spring training.

Andujar's bat appears ready for Major League pitching. Over 227 at-bats in AAA last season, Andujar hit .317/.364/.502 with 9 HR and 30 RBI. But his bat has never been doubted; there are questions about his glove.

"There's no question in my mind that he's going to hit and hit for a long time in this league," said Aaron Boone, via Erik Boland of Newsday. "And there's no question in my mind that defensively he'll be really good at some point..."

Anthony McCarron, SNY.tv | Twitter | Even fellow big leaguers sound a bit like goggle-eyed fans when talking about Giancarlo Stanton and the next phase of the prolific slugger's career -- calling Yankee Stadium home. And veteran baseball folks barely blink when producing outsized predictions about Stanton's potential in the Bronx, in that Yankee lineup, in that homer-friendly ballpark.

That, plus the intrigue over whether Stanton can avoid injury, learn to navigate the New York fishbowl, and cope with expectations as towering as some of his home runs, makes him a must-watch this season. The best home run hitter added to a team that perhaps surprised by getting within one game of the World Series last year? That'll draw eyeballs.

It all starts when Stanton reports to Yankee camp this weekend and the club has its first full-squad workout on Monday. While folks in Tampa will have an up-close look, the curiosity about Stanton in pinstripes extends to other camps and opposing team's corridors of power...

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CC Sabathia first player to see trainer after rolled ankle during camp

Feb 15 | 11:39AM

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Expectations for Sabathia in '1800:04:49

CC Sabathia discusses how the New York Yankees still have something to prove against the reigning champs in the American League.

After rolling his left ankle during practice, CC Sabathia wants everyone to calm down. There is nothing to worry about.

Sabathia was seen with wrap around his rolled ankle, though, which begged the question of whether or not it was really ok. He just said head trainer Steve Donohue loves practicing his work at Spring Training too.

The Yankees will not be viewed as the lovable, up and coming "Baby Bombers" this season. Instead, the Yankees will come out of the gate as the hunted "Evil Empire," which comes with one expectation; winning a World Series title.

It is a poorly kept secret that a championship is the Yankees' Spring Training mantra year in and year out. However, over the last few seasons, fans, the players, coaches and front office would admit under truth serum that the club was not the best team in the league. Fresh off an incredible 2017 season and courtesy of a strong returning cast, more impact prospects on the horizon and a rather large addition (literally and figuratively), the 2018 Yankees have a legitimate chance to reach and win their 28th World Series.

Teams often relish the role of the underdog. Working under stamped down expectations from those outside the organization tends to create an "us versus them" mentality. The Yankees seemed to ride that sentiment through much of the 2017 season. That mindset is history.

Gary Sanchez making defense a priority in 2018

Feb 14 | 11:40AM

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New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez and right fielder Aaron Judge celebrate the 6-3 win over the Minnesota Twins at a baseball game Tuesday, July 18, 2017, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn) (Bruce Kluckhohn/AP)

Gary Sanchez knows he needs to improve his defense after last season, and that is all he has been working on this offseason.

"This offseason, I worked really hard on defense because I want to be better than last year," Sanchez told The Post's Dan Martin through his translator. "I want to fix all the little issues I had last year defensively and keep improving."

Sanchez came into Spring Training looking leaner as well, and though he said he didn't lose any weight, his physique could aid in his defensive abilities this season. The Yankees will hope so as his 16 passed balls last season were the most by any catcher.

GEICO SportsNite: Boone on team's lofty expectations

Feb 13 | 11:09PM

Sweeny Murti discusses Aaron Boone's desire for the Yankees to embrace their high expectations following a strong 2017 postseason run.

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Torres highlights Yankees prospects on Bowden's Top 50 list

Florial and Sheffield also made the list of top prospects

Feb 13 | 4:00PM

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(Butch Dill)

Gleyber Torres highlighted the three Yankees who made Jim Bowden's Top 50 Prospects list as the No. 8 prospect this season.

Torres injured his non-throwing elbow last season, and it required Tommy John surgery to repair. But that didn't hinder Bowden's analysis that see the infielder being an important part of the Yankees' long-term plan.

"Torres was the headliner in the Aroldis Chapman trade with the Cubs in July 2016," Bowden wrote. "He's capable of playing second, short or third but most likely profiles to the Yankees long-term solution at second base. He had Tommy John surgery to his non-throwing elbow and the Yankees are hopeful he'll be healthy enough to make their team out of spring training. He is a plus defender with soft hands and an accurate arm. He only an average runner, but all of his other tools are above average. he has really quick hands and wrists at the palte and his power should come as he matures..."

Boone wants Yankees to 'embrace' championship expectations

The new skipper excited to see players compete at Spring Training

Feb 13 | 1:35PM

Sweeny Murti reports live from Tampa to discuss how Aaron Boone will manage a team with championship aspirations as a rookie manager.

Yankees new manager Aaron Boone stepped on George M. Steinbrenner Field hungry. And so did his players.

In his first press conference from the Yankees' Spring Training camp in Tampa, FL, Boone noted that every player he has spoken to is ready to live up to the high expectations everyone has for them this season. But he knows it is going to take tons of work on and off the field to get to the position they covet.

Sherman suggests Yankees could attempt to trade for Cabrera

Feb 13 | 9:15AM

In their search for an infielder, the Yankees could attempt to trade for the Mets' Asdrubal Cabrera, suggests the New York Post's Joel Sherman. Among a host of other infield options available via free agency or trade, Sherman writes that "maybe even the Mets' Asdrubal Cabrera could be had via a spring training trade if necessary."

The 32-year-old Cabrera, who is expected to be the Mets' starting second baseman, will earn $8.5 million this season, after which he is eligible for free agency.

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | Unless the Mets are confident in Wilmer Flores as their full-time second baseman, it would seem odd for them to entertain the idea of trading Cabrera to the Yankees. And even if the Mets are comfortable with Flores at second base, putting him there would remove the option of him being the right-handed part of a platoon at first base with either Adrian Gonzalez or Dominic Smith...

Lincecum, 33, will throw in front of several teams, including the Braves, Brewers and Padres, according to Heyman, on Thursday at Driveline Research Lab in Seattle as he looks to make his first MLB appearance since 2016.

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Former Yankees pitcher Gossage unloads rant on GM Cashman

By Scott Thompson | Feb 12 | 7:00PM

Former Yankees pitcher Goose Gossage didn't receive an invitation to the team's spring training this year, and it is safe to say he isn't happy. And he is directed that unhappiness toward one person in particular: GM Brian Cashman.

Gossage has not held back his controversial opinions on current and former players as well as baseball's integration of sabermetrics, which he called a "joke" because he believes "a bunch of f---ing nerds running the game."

This time, he aired out Cashman saying the Yankees' late owner, George Steinbrenner, would have been looking for a new GM years ago if he was still alive.

After an offseason that started off with a bang for the Yankees, the team entered into the long slog the rest of the league is entwined in as clubs wait for free agent prices to drop. For the Yankees, the slowdown has not impeded the construction of the roster - though they could still make additions - nor has it slowed down expectations that began once they were knocked out of the 2017 postseason in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.

As pitchers and catchers officially report to camp Tuesday, let's take a look at some of the major storylines - in no particular order - set to develop through the next six-plus weeks...

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Report: Cubs sign Yu Darvish to six-year deal

Feb 10 | 3:05PM

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(Jennifer Buchanan)

The Cubs have signed RHP Yu Darvish to a six-year deal worth $126 million, that could rise to $150 million with incentives, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Pitching with the Rangers and Dodgers last season, Darvish went 10-12 with a 3.86 ERA in 31 starts, recording 209 strikeouts in 186 2/3 innings.

Darvish, 31, was a target for the Yankees if only they could clear enough cap space to sign him and stay under the luxury tax. The Yankees currently have about $15 million to spend to stay under the threshold and couldn't find any takers for Jacoby Ellsbury's contract.

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Hicks wants to be Yankees starting center fielder

Feb 10 | 2:50PM

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New York Yankees' Aaron Hicks reacts after striking out during the second inning of Game 7 of baseball's American League Championship Series Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip/AP)

After adding NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees outfield is stocked with talent. While sharing a locker room with Stanton, Aaron Judge, Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury, Aaron Hicks wants to be the team's starting center fielder and believes he can help the team win.

Ahead of spring training, Hicks is penciled in to start the majority of games in center. Last season he won the starting job away from Ellsbury and it's expected that Stanton and Judge will rotate between right field and DH, though one can play in left with Gardner in center.

"I want to be the starting center fielder for the Yankees, of course," Hicks said, via Dan Martin of NY Post. "I feel that's the position I can play every day and be successful and help this team win..."

As the Yankees get ready to compete down in Tampa, GM Brian Cashman is excited to see how the infield competition shakes out.

Cashman joins the Yankees fan base in being curious about how New York's top prospects will pan out as they fight for Opening Day roster spots. He won't rule out making more moves in free agency to bring in a veteran infielder, but for now, the spotlight will stay on the group the Yankees have now.

"We've got a competition lined up to see where it takes us," Cashman told NY Daily News' Christian Red. "Obviously, if anything changes between now and Opening Day, and makes enough sense, we'll evaluate it."

Five impact rookies for Yankees in 2018

As the Yankees have fully embraced the youth movement, it should be no shock that the club will rely on rookies in its effort to return to the postseason. We'll cover five rookies -- including a couple of sleepers -- that may make significant impacts for the Yankees this season.

Seahawks QB Wilson fulfills promise to father by joining Yankees

Feb 9 | 10:00AM

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson reaches up to grab a throw as he works out with the Texas Rangers during spring training baseball practice, Monday, March 3, 2014, in Surprise, Ariz. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson opened up about why he wanted to join the Yankees, saying he was able to fulfill a promise to his father in doing so.

"The reason this is so special to me," Wilson told The MMQB's Peter King, "is that I used to always tell my dad I always wanted to be a Yankee. I said to him, 'Some day, Dad, I will be a Yankee.' And so now that dream has come true -- a little bit. My main, No. 1 focus is winning Super Bowls and winning football games. But the reality is that baseball has always been a major part of my life, and I couldn't be happier to be keeping that alive with the Yankees."

Boone had another MLB job lined up before Yankees called

Feb 8 | 8:55PM

Aaron Boone, manager of the New York Yankees, talks with members of the media at the MLB baseball winter meetings Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux/AP)

Before the Yankees came calling, Aaron Boone had another MLB job lined up. Not in the dugout, but in the front office.

Boone was ready to leave ESPN and Sunday Night Baseball to get back into the game. He interviewed with an unnamed franchise between games 5 and 6 of the World Series.

"I was really planning to make the transition into the game," Boone said, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today. "Whether that role led to coaching, managing or a significant front-office role. I was just kind of letting it play out."

The first time manager can't wait to get started with the Yankees and is excited by the team's potential...

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Greg Bird anxious to show what he can do over a full season

Feb 8 | 8:00PM

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New York Yankees first baseman Greg Bird on deck to bat during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

For Greg Bird, 2017 was supposed to be his breakout year. After a phenomenal spring training it looked like he was even better than advertized.

But he began the season in a slump before going down with an injury that'd keep him out until August. Once he did return and worked off the rust, Bird delivered what many expected of him. Now, ahead of 2018, he's desperate to show everyone what he can do over a full season.

"I think people saw it, but I want to do it for a full season, I've got to do it for a full season," Bird said, via Erik Boland of Newsday. "That's what it's all about. I'm not going to lie, I'm anxious to show it, I want to. It's what I've wanted to do..."

Baseball Night New York: Yankee plan for crowded outfield

Feb 8 | 7:42PM

The BNNY crew looks at the Yankees' plans for left field and DH with lots of options to choose from on the crowded roster.

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Yanks will work with Judge, Stanton in left field during Spring Training

Feb 8 | 11:45AM

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(Brad Penner)

The Yankees have many tasks to complete down in Tampa before the season starts, and maybe none takes precedent over how to split time with the dynamic duo of Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge.

The idea to rotate them behind right field and designated hitter isn't a simple solution as the Yankees would like to get them more playing time in the field. That is why new first-base coach and outfield instructor Reggie Willits will work with both players in left field to see if that would be an option new manager Aaron Boone could use.

"It's going to be exciting," Willits told MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. "Everybody asks that question like it's a problem. It's not a problme at all. It's a pretty big blessing."